Scope and Contents: Files include penitentiary inspection commissioners', superintendents', wardens', deputy wardens', and physicians' periodic reports to the Governor; petitions for pardons of prisoners; copies of pardons ordered or issued; penitentiary officials' bonds; copies of contracts with individuals employing prisoners; and correspondence concerning removal of the chaplain at Alton (1859). For the year 1836 also included are petitions for pardons for prisoners held in county jails. Subjects include such matters as prisoner counts at Alton over 1831-1860 and at Joliet over 1858-1860, escapes and escape attempts, prisoner health and medical care, construction of the new facility at Joliet, female prisoners, book acquisitions for prisoners, storage of state militia arms, prisoner punishments, the donation of land for the penitentiary at Alton, expenditures, fires and riots, ball and chain restraints, and prisoner rehabilitation.